As a result of the dry and hot conditions experienced in the Maghreb in October, most sowing activities were postponed to November. Morocco, western Algeria and Tunisia benefited from rains and mild temperatures since November, which favoured the establishment and current good development of winter cereals. By contrast, eastern regions in Algeria suffered from a rain deficit during the period under review (1 October -15 January), and rainfall is urgently needed to sustain crop growth and to fill up water reserve.